Meet the barber who spends his day off giving haircuts to the homeless

By Jennifer Earl

Updated on: October 25, 2016 / 5:22 PM
/ CBS News

For years, barber Ged King has been spending some of his “off” days working -- but not in his shop, as one might assume.

Instead, the owner of Skullfades Barber Shop in Sale, England, has been hitting the streets to serve the homeless.

“I can’t really explain it for you. It’s amazing to give somebody whose feeling low in life and make them feel better,” King told CBS News. “It’s a privilege and it’s an honor to work with these people. I think I get a lot more out of it than they do at times.”

With a small but mighty group, King travels to homeless shelters, different parts of the town and sometimes even hospitals to cut people’s hair for free. They’re also invited to stop by his shop anytime when they want to be freshened up.

And that’s not all.

The team is stocked with lunch packs and other items; and a counselor goes along to provide services. It’s really a group effort, King said.

Videos and photos of the barber’s act of kindness are getting a lot of attention on social media.

At one point, up to 2 million people viewed a video of a makeover King provided.

“This is Neil he’s had a tough time and spent the last few months living in a tent. He came in today to make use of our Skullfades Homeless Project,” King wrote on Facebook.
Skullfades Barber Shop by Ged King/Facebook

“The news and the world is full of bad things. Every time you turn the news on there’s a war somewhere ... someone’s in jail. ... It’s all doom and gloom,” he said. “This is different; it shows kindness, it shows some good and people helping each other, which is really what we’re all supposed to do.”

Since King started spreading the word about his homeless project, several people have messaged him, asking how they can help.

“Nobody knows what to do,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to tell people to give them some change, some food. Anybody can do anything.”

With a full-time job and a wife who’s eight months pregnant, King has his hands full. For now, the barber heads out every other Sunday, and an occasional Monday when he gets the chance.

He hopes to one day increase that.

But for now, he’s satisfied, as are his customers.

“I’ve been low before. I sort of can relate and know how they’re feeling,” King said. “It’s really nice to give them a lift and give them a bit of kindness and show them they’re are good people around and there are people who care.”